Made in Ada Wilson Football Fest' moves to Aug. 25

Ada’s now-famous football drop is moving, but all the fun from the event continues.

Previously held on Super Bowl Eve, this year’s Made in Ada Football Festival moves to Saturday, Aug. 25, in downtown Ada, according to Ada Area Chamber of Commerce.

The festival celebrates Ada’s remarkable contribution to the sport of football, as all footballs used in the National Football League are made in the Ada Wilson’s factory.

“The new date captures the spirit of a new football season for fans of all levels from midgets through NFL,” said Chris Burns-DiBiasio, chair of the event.

She added that it also enables the planners to add new features to the festival, and instead of signaling the end of the season, helps launch the season’s beginning.

And, to allow for greater family participation, the football drop moves from midnight to 10 p.m.

A major addition to the festival is a Wilson football exhibit. Persons can watch footballs being made. The steps involve sewing, turning, lacing and inflating the balls. The exhibit will be open to the public from 1 to 6 p.m.

In addition, Wilson will provide an exhibit showing the latest football design and technology.

Many of the traditional festival events also take place throughout the day including games, children’s activities, raffles, a football piñata and live bands.

Several events are still in the planning stages, but activities start with a tailgating set-up in the Ada railroad depot parking area at 11 a.m. The official kickoff is at noon. The 10 p.m. ball drop concludes the festival, and it takes place in the depot parking area.